Indian travelers are increasingly looking beyond the well-trodden sands of Bali and Phuket, according to fresh accommodation search data from digital travel platform Agoda. The data, drawn from searches made between 1 May and 30 June 2026 for stays in July and August, shows a marked uptick in interest for a wider array of coastal and island destinations across South and Southeast Asia, as well as Europe.
Emerging hotspots in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia remains a cornerstone of Indian beach travel, with Bali and Phuket continuing to draw crowds for their scenic shores and vibrant cultures. Yet lesser-known locales are now capturing attention. Lombok in Indonesia, with its uncrowded beaches and surf breaks, is gaining ground, while Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island—known for white-sand beaches and national parks—is also on the radar. Thailand's Ko Tao is attracting divers with its world-class underwater sites.
This diversification is not limited to Southeast Asia. In the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka's Trincomalee and Arugam Bay are emerging as new favorites. Trincomalee offers calm bays and rich marine life, while Arugam Bay is a renowned surf destination. Meanwhile, Mediterranean spots like Santorini and Nice are appearing on Indian itineraries, blending cultural exploration with coastal scenery.
Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, commented, "Indian travelers are increasingly broadening their horizons beyond the traditional beach favorites." Agoda's platform supports this exploration by providing access to over 6 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities worldwide.
The shift signals a growing appetite among Indian travelers for more diverse and immersive beach experiences, reflecting a broader trend toward exploration and cultural discovery. For travel professionals, this presents opportunities to tailor packages and marketing to these emerging destinations.
Related developments in the region include Alona Beach's rise in Philippine tourism, driven by the Bohol-Panglao Airport, and Goa's record international charter season starting October 2026. Additionally, South Africa's new 48-hour ETA for Indian passport holders could further ease travel to new beach destinations.
